Panasonic Corporation of North America, an industry and technology leader in the HDTV arena, introduced LED-backlight models to its expanded 2010 line of VIERA® LCD HDTVs at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

LED-LCD televisions position white LEDs arranged around the inside frame of the TV along with a special light diffusion panel designed to spread the light evenly behind the LCD panel, resulting in a uniform color range across the screen. The technology also allows for thinner panels. IPS panels deliver a 178 degree wide viewing angle and bright, clear images from most any location in the room, thereby increasing the viewing angle.

Panasonic's top of the line VIERA LED-LCD D2 series features two 1080p Full HD models - TC-L37D2, a 37-inch class (37" measured diagonally) HDTV and the TC-L42D2, a 42-inch class (41.6" measured diagonally) HDTV. The LED method of backlighting the LCD panel allows for the HDTVs to become extremely thin and offers a wider color gamut than traditional back-lit LCDs, which use fluorescent bulbs to provide the light source. Combined with the IPS panel, the viewing angle is improved, contrast is also improved and there is lower power consumption. The D2 series also features the proprietary Universal Dock for iPod®; the VIERA Image Viewer(TM) to view digital still JPEG photos; VIERA Link(TM), a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link(TM) compatible A/V components using only the TV's remote control; a PC input; 24p Smooth film; 120Hz motion picture Pro 4; four HDMI connections and Clear Panel.

"The addition of the LED-LCD HDTVs to our existing line gives Panasonic an extremely deep line-up of LCD televisions and therefore options for the consumer, both in screen size and technology," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Panasonic has always believed in creating products that benefit the consumer and in giving the consumer a wealth of entertainment options. That is precisely why Panasonic's VIERA line of HDTVs encompasses the most popular television technologies, LCD including LED-LCD and Plasma."